ØThe National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)Click on Keyword "Autism" or "Autism Research" to download free publications. NICHD supports laboratory, clinical, and epidemiological research on the reproductive, neurobiological, developmental, and behavioral processes that determine and maintain the health of children, adults, families, and populations

Ø"Parenting a Child with Special Needs", News Digest 20 (ND20), 1997A publication of the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities. In the first article, "You Are Not Alone," Patty McGill Smith speaks candidly to parents about the emotions that many parents of exceptional children experience and offers a perspective for living and coping with the impact of disability upon the family.

ØMt. Sinai Seaver Center for Autism Research and TreatmentFunded by a major grant from the Seaver Foundation since 1993. Dedicated to unraveling the biological causes of autism and related disorders and developing effective treatments for autism. Interdisciplinary approach to the study of autism includes Family/genetic studies, Brain Imaging studies, and Biological, Auto immune, Neuropsychiatric and Psychosocial and Medication Treatment Studies. Offers an integrated series of unique program ranging from clinical care to neurobiology to genetic studies.

ØFirst SignsWeb site provides extensive vital information covering a range of issues: healthy development, the screening and referral process, treatment, current research and guidelines, links to other organizations.

ØThe Center for the Study of Autism (CSA)The CSA, located Oregon, provides information about autism to parents and professionals, and conducts research on the efficacy of various therapeutic interventions. Conducts research in collaboration with the Autism Research Institute in San Diego, California.

Advocacy

Here are links address your rights and responsibilities as the parent of a handicapped child.

ØThe Autism Society of AmericaA leading source of information and referral on autism with 20,000 members connected through a network of over 200 chapters in nearly every state.

ØAutism National Committee (AUTCOM) An advocacy organization dedicated to "Social Justice for All Citizens With Autism". Founded in 1990 to protect and advance the human and civil rights of all persons with autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder and related differences of communication and behavior.

ØThe Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)The largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities. Involved with policies, professional standards and effective professional practice.

ØThe Doug Flutie FoundationThe Foundation's mission is to aid financially disadvantaged families who need assistance in caring for their children with autism; to fund education and research into the causes and consequences of childhood autism; and to serve as a clearinghouse and communications center for new programs and services developed for individuals with autism.

ØFighting AutismClick on Autism Clock link to view prevalence of autism in US.

ØGrace Foundation Support and advocacy site created by families on Staten Island and Brooklyn, N.Y.

ØChristina BurkInformation on the history of ABA, verbal behavior, and effective learning procedures.

ØThe Carbone ClinicResearch on the use of ABA/Verbal Behavior by Dr. Vincent Carbone, BCBA.

ØThe Behavior Virtual CommunitySite where behavioral professionals and the public can interact and exchange information and resources on issues of importance inn the home, school, workplace and in society. Membership is free. BVC is actually a collection of separate conferences to serve different "communities of interest". Most of the conferences are open to anyone but a few are private and restricted.

ØThe Cambridge Center for Behavioral StudiesSite offering a wide range of valuable information to families. The Virtual Behavioral Community (BVC) offers the opportunity for behavioral professionals and the public to interact and exchange information.

ØDouglas Developmental Disabilities Center (DDDC), Rutgers UniversityEstablished 1972. Provides outreach services to individuals with autism and their families. Works to advance contemporary knowledge about autism and related developmental disorders. Conducts professional training and disseminate clinical research information. The Douglas School is a state-operated, university-based day program for individuals with autism from ages 3 through 21.

ØQSACN.Y. agency providing educational program and services to clients and their families.

DISCLAIMER: Autism is a complex disorder. The information presented here is designed for informational purposes only and is presented as a public service. The contents of this web site are not medical, legal, technical or therapeutic advice and must not be construed as such. The information contained herein is not intended to substitute for informed professional diagnosis, advice or therapy. Visitors should not use this information for diagnosis or treatment without also consulting a qualified medical or educational professional.